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All 21 Lamu Island B&Bs / inns »

Shela Bahari Guest House

Box 59, Lamu Island, Kenya
Hotel amenities
Shela Bahari Guest House
Ranked #10 of 21 Lamu Island B&B and Inns
4.0 of 5 stars 16 Reviews
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16 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    8
    6
    0
    1
    1
Date Rating
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 October 2011

We stayed at Shella Bahari in the beginning of September this year and we had a very great time. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the staff is so so friendly and the owner very helpful. Breakfast is great and the food that is served in the restaurant downstairs is delicious. No matter if you want to interact with the... More

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Venus Bay
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 March 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Honesty ... I don't know what some of the previous previewers expect when they leave their comfort zone. This is not a 4 star hotel, and doesn't pretend to be, nor does it charge as such. Instead, it is a wonderful, comfortable, atmospheric small place in the most perfect position imaginable. If you need every little comfort in pristine condition,... More

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Pretoria, South Africa
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 September 2010

We were moved from our room twice. The 1st room appeared to be without power, but who knows? The electrical wiring was so haphazard as to seem potentially deadly. Mosquito netting had visible holes. The bedding and tablecloth had visible stains. No water provided at a hotel catering to guests who *can't* drink the water. Windows dirty, cracked. Bathroom door... More

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UK
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 September 2010

We stayed two nights at this Guest House and its a basic, no frills place but you can experience Shela village life from here. Its away from the hustle and bustle of Lamu and its a place where you can just relax and take it easy. You can take a boat ride into Lamu, which takes about 15 minutes, although... More

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Boston, Massachusetts
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 August 2010
1
person found this review helpful

I traveled to Lamu with 2 girlfriends for a get-away. We booked at the Shela Bahari b/c it was inexpensive. It was definitely not what i expected after the rave reviews on this website. If you go to Lamu, definitely stay in Shela and take a boat into Lamu. Shela is quiet and much less chaotic. When we arrived, we... More

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Barnsley, United Kingdom
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2010

Located overlooking the sea and next to Shella Beach this was a great find. We stayed there 3 nights. Ask for one of the room at the front overlooking the sea. The rooms are basic , but most are in Kenya unless you pay European prices. It was under renovation when we were there but that did not affect things.... More

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san francisco ca
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2010

Shela Bahari is the insider's place to stay in Shela. Shela village is the quieter alternative to Lamu Town, and it's where the great, unspoiled beach is. We booked Shela Bahari guesthouse through a small online company called nature + culture (www.lamutravel.com) got a great rate and couldn't have been happier -- the hotel owner, Taufiq, is a great guy,... More

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Masai Mara
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2010
1
person found this review helpful

My boyfriend and I stayed here for five nights and loved every second of it. This B&B is affordable, friendly, and located right on the water. We were lucky enough to stay in the top floor suite our first night...it's very romantic (so romantic that we actually got engaged up there!). The other nights we stayed in a room on... More

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Kampala, Uganda
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 November 2009

My wife and I stayed in the top-floor room for four nights, and it was truly amazing. Our own private balcony with cool breezes off the water, meals served at our own table up there, right over the water. I don't know what they charge for the downstairs rooms but, whatever the difference, it is worth the extra to get... More

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Barcelona
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 November 2009
3
people found this review helpful

This was a nice hotel on the sea front. There are 5 rooms, one on the top floor which has a private terrace, 4 on the other floor which have balconies and day beds - 2 have a view over the sea. There is no AC and even with the fan on it was pretty hot at night - some... More

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